Ordinance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s/ or·di·nance

Meaning & Definition of Ordinance

Ordinance (noun)

  1. an authoritative decree or direction, order
  2. a law set forth by a governmental authority; specifically, a municipal regulation
  3. something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity

Ordinance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

    "a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms"

    similar: act, bill, constitution, enactment, law, statute
    related: command, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, fiat, ruling, bylaw, ground rule, regulation, rule, amendment, legislation, common law, martial law, blue law, prohibition, proscription, restriction, canon, capitulary, encyclical

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ordinance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ordinance:

act, bill, constitution, enactment, law, statute

Related Words for Ordinance

command, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, fiat, ruling, bylaw, ground rule, regulation, rule, amendment, legislation, common law, martial law, blue law, prohibition, proscription, restriction, canon, capitulary, encyclical

Origin & Etymology of Ordinance

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order ordain

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ordinance

  • Topics: Law, Politics & Society

Frequently Asked Questions about Ordinance

What does "Ordinance" mean?

"Ordinance" means an authoritative decree or direction, order. As a noun, it is defined as: an authoritative decree or direction, order.

What is another word for "Ordinance"?

Other words for "Ordinance" include act, bill, constitution, enactment, law and statute. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ordinance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ordinance"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ordinance". Common alternatives include act, bill, constitution, enactment, law and statute.

How do you use "Ordinance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ordinance" in a sentence: "a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms".

Is "Ordinance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ordinance" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Ordinance"?

"Ordinance" is pronounced /ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as or·di·nance.

What is the origin of the word "Ordinance"?

"Ordinance" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order ordain. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Ordinance" meaning "a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature"?

When "Ordinance" (noun) means a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature, synonyms include act, bill, constitution, enactment, law and statute.